Following US airstrikes on its underground nuclear facilities, Iran is weighing the option of closing the Strait of Hormuz—one of the world’s most critical maritime chokepoints—according to a report by EuroNews on Sunday. Any move to block the strait would carry significant risks for Europe, the report added.
Sardar Esmail Kowsari, a commander in Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and a member of parliament, told local media that shutting down the strait “is under consideration,” adding that “Iran will make the best decision with determination.”
“Our hands are wide open when it comes to punishing the enemy, and the military response was only part of our overall response,” Kowsari said, as quoted by EuroNews.
Earlier the same day, US President Donald Trump had described the strikes on Iran’s Natanz, Fordow, and Isfahan nuclear sites as “very successful.”
Iran may target oil platforms and pipelines
EuroNews reported that if tensions escalate, Iran’s short- and medium-range missiles could target oil platforms and pipelines in the strait, or attack commercial vessels. Surface-to-surface missiles might strike tankers or coastal ports, while drone and airstrikes could disable navigation systems or radar infrastructure at key shipping terminals.
Unmanned aerial vehicles, including Iran’s Shahed drones, may be deployed to disrupt specific shipping lanes or critical installations. Iran could also consider deploying naval assets to physically obstruct access to the Strait. EuroNews noted that Tehran has precedent in this domain, citing its 2012 cyberattack on Saudi Arabia’s oil sector as evidence of its evolving capabilities.
The possibility of closing the Strait is one of several retaliatory measures Iran may consider. Others could include terrorist attacks on the European mainland, according to security analyst and former French intelligence officer Claude Moniquet, who spoke to EuroNews.
Such a move would have severe consequences for Europe, Moniquet warned, calling it “a disaster.”
Why Strait of Hormuz matters?
Nearly 20% of the world’s oil and a substantial portion of liquefied natural gas (LNG) pass through the Strait of Hormuz.
Europe relies on Gulf nations particularly Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE—for oil and LNG supplies, most of which transit through this strategic waterway.
A blockade by Iran could send global oil prices soaring and trigger energy shortages across Europe, particularly in countries heavily dependent on Middle Eastern fuel, EuroNews reported.
Sardar Esmail Kowsari, a commander in Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and a member of parliament, told local media that shutting down the strait “is under consideration,” adding that “Iran will make the best decision with determination.”
“Our hands are wide open when it comes to punishing the enemy, and the military response was only part of our overall response,” Kowsari said, as quoted by EuroNews.
Earlier the same day, US President Donald Trump had described the strikes on Iran’s Natanz, Fordow, and Isfahan nuclear sites as “very successful.”
Iran may target oil platforms and pipelines
EuroNews reported that if tensions escalate, Iran’s short- and medium-range missiles could target oil platforms and pipelines in the strait, or attack commercial vessels. Surface-to-surface missiles might strike tankers or coastal ports, while drone and airstrikes could disable navigation systems or radar infrastructure at key shipping terminals.
Unmanned aerial vehicles, including Iran’s Shahed drones, may be deployed to disrupt specific shipping lanes or critical installations. Iran could also consider deploying naval assets to physically obstruct access to the Strait. EuroNews noted that Tehran has precedent in this domain, citing its 2012 cyberattack on Saudi Arabia’s oil sector as evidence of its evolving capabilities.
The possibility of closing the Strait is one of several retaliatory measures Iran may consider. Others could include terrorist attacks on the European mainland, according to security analyst and former French intelligence officer Claude Moniquet, who spoke to EuroNews.
Such a move would have severe consequences for Europe, Moniquet warned, calling it “a disaster.”
Why Strait of Hormuz matters?
Nearly 20% of the world’s oil and a substantial portion of liquefied natural gas (LNG) pass through the Strait of Hormuz.
Europe relies on Gulf nations particularly Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE—for oil and LNG supplies, most of which transit through this strategic waterway.
A blockade by Iran could send global oil prices soaring and trigger energy shortages across Europe, particularly in countries heavily dependent on Middle Eastern fuel, EuroNews reported.
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